UK Passport Rules Tighten for Dual Citizens Amid Digital Border Push

LONDON (Azat TV) – British dual citizens planning to enter the United Kingdom will soon face stricter entry requirements, needing to present a valid UK passport or a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) starting February 25, 2026. This significant policy shift by the Home Office, part of a broader push to digitalize border controls and enhance security, marks an end to the previous practice of using non-British passports for entry, potentially impacting over a million individuals globally.

The New Mandate for Entry

The upcoming change means that dual nationals will no longer be able to use a non-British passport to enter the UK, even if they could previously prove their citizenship status with other documents. This new requirement is closely linked to the Home Office’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which will soon necessitate visitors from visa-exempt countries, such as France and Canada, to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK. While British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, they are now mandated to travel on a British or Irish passport, or present a certificate of entitlement, to prove their right to enter the country.

Transport providers, including airlines, ferry operators, and train companies, will be obliged to verify passengers’ documentation. Carriers face penalties for bringing inadequately documented individuals to the UK, making them unlikely to deviate from the Home Office’s strict guidance. This means that passengers without the correct documentation risk being denied boarding at their point of departure.

Impact on Dual Nationals

The new rules will apply to all dual citizens residing or traveling overseas. According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 1.26 million people in England and Wales hold multiple passports, representing about 2.1% of the population. Globally, the number is even higher, with the ABC reporting that over 650,000 British-Australians alone could be affected. This includes British-born individuals who acquired another nationality, those who naturalized or registered as British later in life, and those who have been dual nationals since birth.

Reactions to the impending changes have been mixed. Cesare, a 33-year-old maths lecturer at the University of Manchester who became a British citizen in 2023, expressed a negative view to Metro, stating that ‘everyone ends up paying the price of measures like ETA.’ He highlighted a ‘paradox’ where the new system could end up costing dual citizens more than visitors. Conversely, some social media users have supported the move, drawing parallels to similar requirements in countries like Australia, where dual nationals are often required to enter on their Australian passport. A spokesperson from the British High Commission insisted the rules reflect global norms and enhance security, pointing to similar systems in the US and Canada.

Costs, Processing, and Avoiding Pitfalls

For many, the immediate concern is the cost and logistics of obtaining the necessary documents. A standard British adult passport costs £94.50 when applying online, while a child passport is £61.50. Applying from overseas typically incurs a slightly higher fee. The alternative, a Certificate of Entitlement, which is placed in a foreign passport to prove the holder’s right to live and work in the UK, costs a significantly higher £589.

Processing times can vary. While a passport application within the UK generally takes up to three weeks, overseas applications can differ. Some applicants, particularly from New Zealand, reported efficient processing times for the passport itself but noted potential delays in mailing. One woman told 1News.co.nz that her two passports were issued within days of her forms arriving in the UK, though the return mailing could take up to three weeks. Others reported significant delays with postal services. The UK government advises anyone unsure about their citizenship to check online and notes that emergency travel documents can be issued under exceptional circumstances, such as a close relative’s funeral or urgent medical treatment, for urgent travel within six weeks.

Amid the rush to secure new passports, there’s also a warning about fraudulent third-party websites. Ms. MacDonald, a dual citizen, recounted to the ABC how she was almost overcharged £314 (approximately AU$650) for a passport renewal through a misleading website that mimicked official government branding. University of Sydney’s Associate Professor Suranga Seneviratne advises vigilance, recommending users check for official government domain names and cross-reference information from multiple sources to avoid such scams.

Home Office Rationale and Carrier Obligations

The Home Office has consistently advised dual nationals to travel on a British passport for months, though strict enforcement was delayed to allow for adjustment. A Home Office spokesperson reiterated, ‘From February 25, 2026, all dual British citizens will need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement to avoid delays at the border.’ The spokesperson added that ‘Digitising the immigration system using ETAs ensures millions of people enjoy a more seamless travel experience to the UK,’ while also providing ‘greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration.’

A House of Commons briefing noted that carriers are unlikely to accept other forms of proof, such as expired British passports or naturalization certificates, because these documents are not listed in the Home Office’s official guidance for transport providers. This places the onus firmly on individuals to ensure their documentation is in order well in advance of their travel dates.

The new regulations underscore the UK’s commitment to modernizing its immigration system and enhancing national security, aligning with practices in countries like the US, Canada, and Australia. However, the rapid implementation and the significant cost associated with obtaining the required documents, especially for the Certificate of Entitlement, present considerable logistical and financial hurdles for a substantial population of dual nationals, prompting concerns about accessibility and fairness in the transition.